Warning for Auckland's west coast: Massive 8m waves and strong winds expected

Friday, 2 August 2019

 Surfers have been warned not to risk entering the water on Auckland's west coast this weekend, with massive waves and strong winds forecast.

Piha is expected to experience 'very unusual' 8-metre-high waves on Saturday, up to 5m waves on Sunday and up to 7m waves on Monday.

Veteran Piha Surf Life Saving Club lifeguard Jonathon Webber said 8m waves were pretty unusual.

On an average day, Piha waves were typically around 1m high.

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Webber said anyone considering going into the water should think again because lifeguard season was over and lifesaving assets could not operate in such conditions.

'There is a much higher risk of drowning,' he said.

'There is no guarantee, because of conditions, if something goes wrong in the water that rescue services could get to people.'

Webber said experienced surfers would not attempt a storm surf because they were usually not associated with quality surfing waves.

But that did not mean others would be tempted to try out the waters.

'The rips are going to be a lot more powerful … people should stay away.'

Meteorologist Stephen Glassey said the large waves were caused by a very strong southwest flow covering not just New Zealand but a large part of the ocean.

Strong winds generated large swells, he said.

'Auckland in general will be windier than usual as well, especially later today and early tomorrow morning. It should ease back to normal conditions by Saturday afternoon and the evening.'